[Hamyang County, Gyeongnam] Jianjae, raw beef and grilled black pork

[Hamyang County, Gyeongnam] Jianjae, raw beef and grilled black pork

Hamyang County is saturated with rugged mountains, which is why roads there are generally winding. An exhilarating (yes, you must be careful, too) drive course that many times appears on local television commercials is the Jianjae.

Who’s ready for a road trip to a place chosen as one of the country’s 100 most beautiful paths? Later, join us for a bite of grilled black pork and raw beef, too.

<Jianjae, in Hamyang.>

Jianjae isn’t located high above ground-level, but once you drive on it, you’ll notice the steep slopes are more dangerous than they may have seemed from far away. And with roads signs written “please drive slowly” and “careful brake explosion” all over the place, you’ll feel even more terrified.

 At the top of the road you’ll find an observatory called jeongja in Korean, a traditional type of rest area somewhat like a bench.

Some photographers go all the way to Hamyang just to take a shot of a car passing by Jianjae, but be aware that only one or two cars do so in a whole hour during weekdays. .

Near the downtown are of Hamyang, you’ll find Sangnim Park and Halim Park, both very popular retreats among locals. And scattered near the parks are a variety of restaurants, most that use ingredients collected from alpine regions of the southern county.

<Raw beef bibimbap>

A bowl of raw beef bibimbap comes with rice topped with fresh greens and raw beef, with bean paste soup and beef brisket added on the side.   

<Black pork belly>

If you’re rather a pork-lover, then try the grilled black pork belly dish, made out of black pigs low in moisture and fat, making the meat way juicer than that of ordinary pink pigs. The menu item is also rich in vitamin B, and effective for relieving stress, fatigue recovery, and skin care.

Black pork has only half the collagen ordinary pork has, and when broiled, it sure whets your appetite.

Slightly season the grilled pork bites with salt, and you’re good to go!

<Grilled black pork belly>

Seasoned ribs are marinated 12 hours in various ingredients including hot chili pepper and onions, and then grilled in hot fire.